TACLOBAN CITY - Some people may forget, but survivors and those who lost their families and friends when Supertyphoon Yolanda (Haiyan) wreaked havoc in Eastern Visayas will always remember the terror and grief that fateful day on Nov. 8, 2013.
Borongan City and the municipalities of San Julian, Giporlos, Llorente, Taft, and Hernani in Eastern Samar suspended work and classes to pay tribute to those who died during the tragedy.
Offices in charge of the maintenance of peace and order, health, emergencies, and disaster management remained open, based on the executive orders.issued by the local governments of Leyte, Tacloban City, and the towns of Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa, Tabango, Merida, Macarthur, Matag-ob, Albuera, San Isidro, Tabontabon, and Dagami.
Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez said he deemed it expedient to temporarily suspend work and classes to allow for a solemn commemoration.
A series of activities was held by different groups to recognize the lessons learned from the experience, to pay homage to the people who suffered, and to highlight the resilience of the people.
On Nov. 7, a mass was celebrated at the Anibong Shipwreck by Rev. Fr. Ronnie Mora to remember those who perished.
A wreath-laying and candle offering was led by Mayor Romualdez and his wife, former Mayor Cristina Romualdez.In Southern Leyte, Maasin City.
The municipalities of Sogod and Pintuyan also declared the suspension of work and classes.
Under the 'new normal, people are still advised to strictly adhere to the minimum public health protocols such as the wearing face masks, physical distancing, and regular hand-washing and sanitation.